CHARLESTON, W.V. (LOOTPRESS) – During Charleston’s Live on the Levee event on Friday, Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin joined with members of the Sternwheelers Association to announce the return of the Charleston Sternwheel Regatta.
The Regatta will take place July 1 through July 4, 2022. Several favorites are scheduled to return, but the city is also encouraging the public’s input to help schedule performers.
“Regatta means so much to so many. Since day one in office, I have had folks asking, pleading, for us to bring back the Charleston Sternwheel Regatta. Because of the overwhelming amount of feedback we received, it was a priority for us to bring back this famed Charleston event,” said Mayor Goodwin. “While it may not look exactly as it has in years past, we plan to incorporate many of the Regatta staples into next year’s event. This will allow us to carry on the legacy of Regatta while also adding new features and events.”
Tim Brady, President and CEO of the Charleston Convention & Visitors Bureau, believes the return of the Regatta will be a significant economic impact, bringing thousands to Charleston’s downtown area.
“Cash registers will be ringing throughout the city as visitors spend money on hotels, food, drinks and shopping,” he said. “It’s not an exaggeration to say the event will generate millions of dollars in tourism spending in Charleston.”
“We are very excited to have this opportunity return to Charleston,” added Robin Jones, Riverboat Captain, member of the Sternwheel Association and former member of the Sternwheel Regatta Committee.
Jones’ husband, Nelson Jones, was the original founder of the Regatta in 1971.
“He would be very excited that Mayor Amy is bringing back this event…It’s a very exciting time for us as we honor Regatta’s past, present and future and the sternwheelers that are so dedicated to our riverfront.”
Those wanting to share their favorite memories from past Regatta events, suggest ideas for the 2022 Regatta or sign up to volunteer may do so by completing this survey.
The full Regatta schedule will be announced in the coming months.